The armrest-style captain's chairs with Caravan-style fold-down armrests

My favourite bit: the interior. I can't stress how much of an improvement this is over the previous model. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

have been exchanged for new low back buckets featuring open-style headrests, trimmed in trendy-looking 'Bauhaus' premium cloth; a great improvement over the previous car's static shock inducing trim. By opting for Classic trim, all the basic amenities are covered, like power mirrors, windows, keyless entry, and the new big corporate stereo with all-important MP3 input. You're not really missing out on any luxuries either from the more upscale Touring, as the only differences in trim are chrome splashes around the cupholder tray, the option of power leather and suede seats, satin-finish steering wheel spokes and, on the GT, carbon fibre effect trim on the dash.

Electroplated console, round vents and dash-top clock add a touch of elegance amidst seemingly endless practicality. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

I can only really think of two cons with this interior, and they're quite minor. Those "tree branches" that are the indicator stalks look firm and hefty, but feel wobbly. I'm afraid to actuate them with any sort of conviction, as they seem as if they're about to snap loose in my hands. Much the same can be said about the cruise control stalk on the steering wheel, which wobbles about at the gentlest touch. Secondly, the armrest-storage bin, while useful with its 6-CD storage capacity and 12-volt charger, wiggles even under the weight of my rather light arm. While it doesn't feel like it's about to snap off, the storage bin's insides have sharp, untrimmed edges. It doesn't exude the solidity or refinement that the rest of the interior does.

If you can't fit it into the PT, then the purchase of a larger vehicle like a minivan or station wagon is justifiable.  (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

Offsetting the all-new interior is a completely unchanged cargo area. That's good, considering it's the one area that doesn't get enough attention. Unlike the 'as-low-as-you-can-go' base model, the Classic gets the flat-folding front passenger seat that allows an eight-foot long ladder to be swallowed up. For shifting big, boxy items, a quick tug on a latch and the rear seats tumble forward to create a flat loading floor, and a much deeper trunk. If your cargo still doesn't fit, the rear 30/70 split bench can be removed, and rolled into storage via castors. For knick knacks and road-atlases, revised door pockets, a larger glovebox and a decent-sized dashboard cubby should help keep things organized, while the trunk itself has a 12-volt power outlet and a variable-position parcel shelf.